Chiefs meet as Capello feels heat

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MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon met coach Fabio Capello and sporting director Pedja Mijatovic for urgent talks on Monday after the team's second straight defeat in the Spanish league.

Madrid are in the midst of a miserable run of form having lost three of their last four league games, including Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna, who had not won in their previous 10 games.

"This morning (Monday) there was a meeting between the sports management and the technical staff, at which the president (Ramon Calderon) was also there," said Mijatovic.

"We spoke openly about all the problems we have in this situation which is unfortunate but which can be overcome.

"We have identified all the problems and we are able to solve them."

Mijatovic also insisted that Italian coach Fabio Capello, whose defensive tactics are much derided by the club's fans, still has the full backing of Real chiefs.

"This is a man who has been in this situation many times before and he has always come out of them with good results, achieving the stated goals, that's why there are no problems. I am convinced we will get through this situation."

Real are third in La Liga, five points off pacesetters Sevilla having lost their most recent home match 3-0 against unfashionable Recreativo Huelva.

"Capello, This is a Disaster" was Monday's front-page headline of leading sports daily Marca. Daily As said the Italian coach's "leadership was in a serious crisis."

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